SheffieldUtd

Oli McBurnie cleared of stamping on pitch-invading Nottingham Forest fan

15-Dec-2022 16:27:52 | The Guardian

• Sheffield United forward says he hopped to protect injured foot
• Player’s barrister claims McBurnie had been ‘like a ballerina’

The Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie has been cleared of stamping on a pitch-invading fan after claiming he hopped over him to protect his injured foot. The 26-year-old Scotland international was acquitted of assaulting Nottingham Forest supporter George Brinkley, after the player’s barrister said McBurnie had been “like a ballerina” in avoiding contact.

Prosecutors had alleged McBurnie was angry and in a “red mist” after his side has lost on penalties to Forest in May’s Championship playoff semi-final at the City Ground.